Guidance, Manuals, and Policies

EPA has developed several documents outlining its mission, priorities and regulatory authorities as well as guidance and technical information to help communities establish comprehensive septic (onsite) management programs.

Handbook for Managing Onsite and Clustered (Decentralized) Wastewater Treatment Systems (PDF)(66 pp, 1MB, About PDF) - A "how-to" guide for implementing EPA's Voluntary National Guidelines for Management of Onsite and Clustered (Decentralized) Wastewater Treatment Systems. The guide describes a step-by-step approach for the development of a community management program for decentralized wastewater systems. It includes specific community examples, gives an overview of the elements essential for sound management of these systems, and provides links to extensive resources (EPA 832-B-05-001).

A Plain English Guide to the EPA Part 503 Biosolids Rule - Guide to help in the interpretation and implementation of 40 CFR Part 503; these regulations establish requirements for the final use or disposal of sewage sludge (biosolids) and domestic septage that all states must meet (EPA 832-R-93-003).

Manuals

Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Manual (PDF)(367 pp, 21MB, About PDF) - This manual provides supplemental and new information for wastewater treatment professionals in the public and private sectors, expanding upon the design manual listed below. It is not intended to replace the previous manual but is a more focused approach to further explore and discuss recent developments in onsite treatment technologies, system design and long-term system management (EPA 625-R-00-008).

Design Manual: Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems (PDF)(409 pp, 9MB, About PDF) - This design manual provides technical information for those involved in the design, construction, operation, maintenance and regulation of onsite wastewater treatment and disposal systems. It does not contain standards for those systems, nor does it contain pertinent rules or regulations (EPA 625-1-80-012).

Policy and Regulation

Response to Congress on Use of Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Systems (PDF)(101 pp, 5.8MB, About PDF) - This report to Congress examines the feasibility of decentralized treatment as a lower-cost option for the many communities with wastewater treatment needs. EPA's report recognizes lack of management as a major barrier to implementing decentralized systems and concludes that "adequately managed decentralized wastewater systems are a cost-effective and long-term option for meeting public health and water quality goals, particularly in less densely populated areas" (EPA 832-R-97-001b).

Seepage Pits May Endanger Ground Water Quality (PDF)(2 pp, 73K, About PDF) - In 1999 EPA promulgated regulations prohibiting the use of cesspools for the disposal of sewage from multifamily dwellings and any other buildings where cesspool capacity was for 20 or more persons per day, such as schools, hospitals and manufacturing facilities (EPA 909-F-01-001).